VehicleVerdict

1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 42 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median 3000GT year — the 1997 model ranks #6 of 16 3000GT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (31% of the total).

42

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other 3000GT years?

3000GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted135 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 75 complaints1992: 135 complaints1993: 77 complaints1994: 84 complaints1995: 62 complaints1996: 26 complaints1997: 42 complaints1998: 19 complaints1999: 13 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 1 complaints
3000GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 3000GT years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1331%
Seat Belts1229%
Tires & Wheels1024%
Brakes25%
Suspension12%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Electrical System12%
Engine12%
Steering12%

Does the 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V143001TransmissionMay 14, 2002 · 15,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A CONDITION EXISTS THAT ALLOWS OIL TO LEAK FROM THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE.

Consequence

LOW OIL LEVELS IN THE TRANSFER CASE COULD CAUSE BEARING DAMAGE AND RESULT IN DRIVE TRAIN LOCKUP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSFER CASE FOR INDICATIONS OF OIL LEAKAGE OR DAMAGE. VEHICLES THAT HAVE OIL LEAKAGE WILL HAVE THE TRANSFER CASE RESEALED AND RE-FILL THE TRANSFER CASE TO THE PROPER LEVEL, OR REPLACED THE TRANSFER CASE IF THERE IS EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DECEMBER 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AMERICA AT 1-888-648-7820 OR MITSUBMISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AT 85MPH THE WHOLE CAR LOCKED UP DUE TO SEIZED DIFFRENTIAL CASE - CAR SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND OFF OF THE HIGHWAY WITH OUT WARNING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS CAR HAS HAD SUDDEN POWERTRAIN FAILURE RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL - WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 3, 2000 · crash

“DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS DON'T RETRACT CORRECTLY. WHEN THE SEAT BELT DOESN'T RETRACT, IT LEAVES SEVERAL INCHES OF SLACK. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THIS DEFECT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. THIS DEFECT IS COMMON IN FROM 1991 TO 1999 FOR THE MITSUBISHI 3000GT AND DODGE STEALTH GT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 24, 2006

“1997 MITSUBISHI GT 3000 - DEFECTIVE CHROME WHEELS FLAKE, PEEL AND WEAR INSIDE SO THAT A SEAL CANNOT BE MAINTAINED. CONSTANTLY, INFLATE TIRES WHERE OF A HORRIFIC SAFETY HAZARD. STRANDED WITH FLATS. EXPENSIVE CHROME WHEELS CAME STANDARD WITH THIS VEHICLE. MITSUBISHI HAS SO FAR ELECTED TO REPLACE ONLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 14, 2003

“CONSUMER PICKED UP T CAR WITH 12,000 MILES, AND SLIGHT SHIMMY, TOOK TO DEALER, AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THEN, DEALER REPLACED BRAKES 17 TIMES SINCE OWNER HAS HAD THE CAR. IN ORDER TO STOP HAD TO PRESS BRAKE PEDAL TO FLOOR, AND THEN IT SHAKES VERY BADLY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 14, 1997

“THIS CAR (NOT MY FIRST OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL) HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP CONSTANTLY. THE DEALERS HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MITSU REFUSES TO PAY FOR WARRANTY REPAIRS AND THAT DEALERS MUST PAY OUT OF POCKET. THEREFORE, CUSTOMERS ARE NOT RECEIVING THE LEVEL OF SERVICE THAT IS SAFE. FOR EXAMPLE - MY TRANSMISSION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 1, 1997

1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT — common questions

Is the 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 42 complaints put the 1997 model at #6 of 16 3000GT years. It is one of the 3000GT years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 3000GT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (13 complaints), seat belts (12 complaints), tires & wheels (10 complaints).

Does the 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mitsubishi 3000GT years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 3000GT years to avoid are 1992, 1994, 1993, 1991, 1995, 1997. The cleanest record among 3000GT years belongs to 1990.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.